Christina Goulding

Grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology: A comparative analysis of three qualitative strategies for marketing research

– The paper aims to look at some of the problems commonly associated with qualitative methodologies, suggesting that there is a need for a more rigorous application in order to develop theory and aid effective decision making., – The paper examines three qualitative methodologies: grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. It compares and contrasts their approaches to data collection and interpretation and highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses associated with each one., – The paper suggests that, while qualitative methodologies, as opposed to qualitative methods, are now an accepted feature of consumer research, their application in the truest sense is still in its infancy within the broader field of marketing. It proposes a number of possible contexts that may benefit from in‐depth qualitative enquiry., – The paper should be of interest to marketers considering adopting a qualitative perspective, possibly for the first time, as it offers a snap‐shot of three widely‐used methodologies, their associated procedures and potential pitfalls.

Grounded theory: the missing methodology on the interpretivist agenda

There has been considerable discussion in recent years over the application of interpretive methodologies such as phenomenology, hermeneutics, and semiotics within the field of marketing research, particularly consumer behaviour. However, while these approaches have inspired a wealth of publications, scant attention has been paid to the potential of grounded theory. This is attributed largely to misconceptions regarding both the principles of the method and the two distinct approaches associated with the original authors, Glaser and Strauss (1967). The paper outlines the development of the method and explicates the philosophy underpinning its procedures. Finally, it suggests that grounded theory if applied in its true sense has scope and potential for the study of consumer behaviour and consumption experiences given its emphasis on context, theoretical emergence, and the social construction of realities.

The museum environment and the visitor experience

Since the advent of the contract culture, the reduction in museum budgets, and the implementation of performance measures based on customer satisfaction management, museums have faced increasing pressure to attract wider audiences. This requires an understanding of visitor expectations, and experiences, of visiting a museum. However, for the most part, public museums have concentrated their research efforts into obtaining statistical data which measure through‐put and provide demographic profiles, ignoring in the process the nature of the experience itself. This paper looks at research derived primarily from academics working in the field of visitor studies. It outlines three approaches; the social, the cognitive, and the environmental perspective, which have been applied to studies of museum visitor behaviour. The paper then presents the findings from an observational study of visitors to a city museum. These findings are recast in the light of the three approaches described, in order to offer an integrated framework of customer behaviour which has implications for the management of the service encounter in museums.

The commodification of the past, postmodern pastiche, and the search for authentic experiences at contemporary heritage attractions

Aims to explore the nature of authenticity as defined and constructed by visitors to sites of heritage. The concept of authenticity is explored through the literature relating to the commodification of the past and also in the context of postmodern theories regarding the blurring of the boundaries between high and mass culture. The paper draws on findings from a study of consumer behaviour at three distinct attractions and offers an explanation of authentic experiences in the light of three identified types; the “existential”, the “aesthetic” and the “social” visitor. These findings are then discussed in relation to theoretical and managerial implications.

Consumer research, interpretive paradigms and methodological ambiguities

The 1980s and 1990s have witnessed a growing application of qualitative methods, particularly in the study of consumer behaviour. This has led to some division between researchers on the basis of methodological orientation, or a positivist/interpretivist split. Much of the criticism regarding qualitative research centres on issues of clarity, methodological transgressions, and the mixing of methods without clear justification and explication of “why” and “how”. Offers the example of phenomenology and grounded theory, two methods which are often treated as one. Compares and contrasts them in relation to underpinning philosophies, procedures for sampling, data collection and techniques for analysis. Suggests that methods are “personal” and that researcher introspection and the philosophical basis of a given methodology should form the starting‐point for enquiry.

Understanding consumption: contributions from a narrative perspective

In this paper we outline the contribution of a narrative perspective for theory and method in consumer research. Narratives are considered to be a fundamental way by which we structure and therefore make sense of our lives. Accordingly, narratives have the potential to contribute to our understanding of how consumers structure and make sense of their consumption experiences. We also develop a narrative paradigm and demonstrate how an understanding of narrative can underpin the three paradigmatic questions of ontology, epistemology and methodology. We include throughout a discussion of the implications of our perspective for consumer research and marketing in general.

Performing identity: an analysis of gender expressions at the Whitby goth festival

The paper looks at the nature of gender identities within the gothic subculture, a subculture firmly rooted in objects of consumption and bonded together by a common fascination with the iconic figure of the vampire. We argue that the gothic scene is a site of praxis where accepted gender norms are challenged and alternative sexual politics are established through a variety of gendered performances. Based on the findings of a qualitative study conducted at the bi‐annual goth festival at Whitby, we explore the emergent performative themes of “putting the curves back in the feminine,” “gender as fantasy,” “gender ideal as a holy grail,” “blurring the boundaries” and “gender as fetishism.” We conclude by discussing how these performances serve to challenge orthodox conventions of gendered aesthetics and contribute toward the construction and expression of self.

Heritage, nostalgia, and the “grey” consumer

Focuses on one leisure activity enjoyed by a number of elderly consumers, heritage visiting. Drawing on the findings of a study of consumer behaviour at a recreated living industrial museum, the analysis focuses on the behaviour of elderly visitors to the site, with a particular emphasis on how the experience is constructed. Highlights the role of nostalgia as a motivational and experiential factor behind the visit, and distinguishes between two types of nostalgic reaction, “recreational”, and “existential”. The intensity of the reaction is interpreted in the light of the stimulus provided by the museum, and in the context of individual life circumstances such as role loss, disempowerment, social contact, and the degree of personal experience and object familiarity. Concludes by proposing that it is not always the most obvious groups of consumers who offer the greatest opportunity for sustained and repeated visits.

Issues in representing the postmodern consumer

The paper looks at the concept of postmodernism and the issues relating to positioning and representing the consumer. It evaluates the conflict regarding postmodern research, and in particular scientific claims, and the role of theory. It suggests a greater emphasis on rich and varied forms of data collection and cross‐disciplinary integration in order to centre the experience, create meaningful pictures and broaden the debate about consumption in the early twenty‐first century.

Interpretive consumer research: two more contributions to theory and practice

Presents two relatively new (to marketing) qualitative research techniques, “narrative theory” and “dimensional analysis”, and highlights the contribution they may have for consumer research. Narrative analysis focuses on features, plots and configurations, whereas dimensional analysis uses as its foundation context, conditions and consequences which affect the outcome of the story. Addresses the divide between academic investigation and practitioner research and suggests that practitioners may benefit from developing theoretical frameworks to underpin data collection.